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Taoiseach insists GSOC investigation is review & not inquiry

The Taoiseach has confirmed a review - and not an inquiry - will be carried out into claims of bu...
Newstalk
Newstalk

10.42 18 Feb 2014


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Taoiseach insists GSOC investi...

Taoiseach insists GSOC investigation is review & not inquiry

Newstalk
Newstalk

10.42 18 Feb 2014


Share this article


The Taoiseach has confirmed a review - and not an inquiry - will be carried out into claims of bugging at the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) and will report back inside eight weeks.

The coalition has announced a retired High Court judge will be appointed to look into "all matters of relevance" concerning the controversy at GSOC.

But it will not be set up under 2004 inquiries legislation, and the Justice Minister will draw up the terms of reference in consultation with the Attorney-General.

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During questioning in the Dáil from Sinn Féin's Mary-Lou McDonald, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny admitted it would not be an inquiry to call witnesses, but a review of documents.

Separately, the Justice Committee of the Oireachtas is being asked to look at the legislation around GSOC and to see if it can be enhanced.

The Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has said "Over two weeks ago, before this controversy developed, I announced that I would be bringing to Cabinet a number of amendments to the Garda Síochána Act 2005 relating to GSOC".

"It was agreed at Cabinet today that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality would be asked to hold such hearings as it deems appropriate and necessary and to make any recommendations as to amendments it proposes be made to the 2005 Act. I look forward to receiving their recommendations".

The Minister will be appearing before the Joint Oireachtas Petitions Committee tomorrow and will answer questions that arise in relation to GSOC.

Outside the Dáil, Fianna Fáil was publishing legislation to increase the powers of GSOC and responded to the government announcement.

Meanwhile the British security company which investigated alleged bugging at the offices of GSOC earlier dismissed as "wholly inaccurate" a claim that the Wifi network in a coffee shop was the innocent explanation for reports that the office was bugged.

In a statement, Verrimus also rejected newspaper reports that its staff could have been the source of British mobile phone signals. The security firm says mobile phones could not act as a so-called 'base station' for cellphone signals.

It also says a Wifi device in the GSOC boardroom should not have been able to connect to any external and unsecure wireless network.

Irish Independent journalist Paul Williams wrote the article and says he stands over the piece.

He told Newstalk Lunchtime he will continue to examine what has gone on.


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